
Georgetown University Pedro Arrupe, S.J. Hall
Washington, DC
View from courtyard showing the new connector between renovated wings and transformation into one student community. The residential green unifies three generations of student residences.
Based on concepts established by a Sasaki housing master plan, the renovation of and additions to the Ohio State South High Rises result in increased capacity and a vibrant student residence environment.
The existing four, 11-story residential towers are augmented with connecting structures—a unique design strategy that provides new beds, entry lobbies, social areas, and study spaces, as well as newly-defined courtyards. The renovation of the existing 1950s buildings incorporates increased natural lighting, new student lounges, and dynamic ground-level social spaces.
Courtyards created between the new and old buildings transform a site marked with parking lots and loading docks into a reinvigorated open space for meeting or hanging out
Site plan with new district green spaces
The design of the new connectors was inspired by architectural elements characteristic of the existing towers. Accent limestone areas within the existing facades were reinterpreted in precast panels of varying shades.
Entry to the lobby at the courtyard
The connector creates new arrival court and residential green
Common spaces connect to new courtyards
Open / Green Space study model
Site plan with new district green spaces
The design of the new connectors was inspired by architectural elements characteristic of the existing towers. Accent limestone areas within the existing facades were reinterpreted in precast panels of varying shades.
Entry to the lobby at the courtyard
The connector creates new arrival court and residential green
Common spaces connect to new courtyards
Open / Green Space study model
Lobby with views of rear garden
Following ratification of a policy to provide housing for all sophomores, OSU needed to increase housing capacity. Additionally, existing student housing required significant upgrades to mechanical systems and student program spaces. The connectors were located and designed to leverage existing infrastructure and re energize the existing residential spaces. Sasaki used an innovative structural system to minimize ceiling cavities and to expedite construction. A geothermal well field linked directly to campus open space is utilized for heating and cooling, creating appreciable efficiencies in the size of mechanical equipment. Integral shading in the south-facing glazing also contributes to a substantial reduction in cooling loads and operational costs.
The bridge and lounge animate the double height lobby
View of entry lobby and information desk
Sky lounge mezzanine
Hang out space at mezzanine level in the double height lobby
The new double-height connection to the ground floor provides daylight to the lower level
Laundry becomes a social space – students can do homework or meet while doing their laundry. The light comes from a transparent enclosure.
Multi-use space
The existing dorms lacked student life program spaces
Sky lounge mezzanine
Hang out space at mezzanine level in the double height lobby
The new double-height connection to the ground floor provides daylight to the lower level
Laundry becomes a social space – students can do homework or meet while doing their laundry. The light comes from a transparent enclosure.
Multi-use space
The existing dorms lacked student life program spaces
By anchoring the new additions to the existing infrastructure of bathrooms, stairs, and elevators, the project was able to deliver 4,500 beds at a substantially below-average cost for new beds on campus. That allowed for more resources to be dedicated to the improvement of open spaces and landscapes—a sustainable way to foster quality of life on campus. Sasaki created two main outdoor spaces for the new residence halls. First, an entry courtyard establishes a new front door for each hall, allowing for comfortable drop-off, temporary parking, space for daily deliveries, and an area for queuing during move-in and move-out days. Second, on the opposite end of the new lobby, an open porch faces a lawn for informal recreation, establishing a backyard for the hall.
Lounge
Mezzanine and sky lounge
Sky lounge with views to downtown Columbus
Lounge
Mezzanine and sky lounge
Sky lounge with views to downtown Columbus
Process models of connector studies
For more information contact Vinicius Gorgati.